Carly Rae Jepsen Named Billboard Rising Star of 2012

Congratulations, Carly Rae Jepsen! The Canadian cutie nabbed the prestigious Billboard Rising Star Award for 2012 -- and based on past winners, she's in wonderful company.

Jepsen joins the ranks of superstars including Nicki Minaj (2011) and Lady Gaga (2009). Colbie Caillat was the first artist ever honored with the title, snagging the win in 2008.

"Carly Rae Jepsen's infectious debut single has become nothing short of a pop culture phenomenon, leading to unprecedented viral fanfare," Billboard Editorial Director Bill Werde said. "Few artists have achieved this level of success this early in a career. We are thrilled to honor her extraordinary U.S. debut, and we look forward to seeing where she goes next."

Indeed. 'Call Me Maybe' was named Billboard's 2012 Song of the Summer (and was stuck in our heads that winter, spring and well into this fall, too). It spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, selling more than 10 million copies across the globe and setting a record for a Canadian artist. (That's right -- not even her mentor Justin Bieber beat her!) Her followup duet with Owl City, 'Good Time,' reached No. 8 on the Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Pop charts, while her debut album, 'Kiss,' debuted at No. 6. Now she's on the Believe tour with Biebs. That's a heck of a run for a runner up on 'Canadian Idol' from a few years ago, right?

Believe it: She knows how blessed she is! "As a singer-songwriter having grown up listening to and being influenced by countless female artists, I am truly honored to be recognized by Billboard with this award," Jepsen said in a statement. "I hope to inspire others through my music the way those artists have inspired me."